Giants sign free agent RB Dion Lewis to one-year deal

Lewis is a versatile back that reunites with Joe Judge

Giants head coach Joe Judge reunites with another familiar face in RB Dion Lewis, who signed a one-year deal to join Big Blue, SNY's Ralph Vacchiano confirmed on Monday.

The Giants were predicted to be done spending considering they had about $15.3 million in cap room left, per Over The Cap. But Lewis was out on the market after the Titans released him, and Judge took the chance to add a versatile running back behind Saquon Barkley.

Lewis has been backing up Derrick Henry for the past two seasons, totaling 726 yards over that span. But getting just 54 rushing attempts and 25 receptions in 16 games last season, Lewis wasn't a necessity to bring back for Tennessee.

Breaking down the Giants' depth chart: Both lines could still use some fixing

Dave Gettleman has played it smart in free agency, but there's more work to be done

The Giants have made a few free agent additions while bringing back some familiar faces to upgrade their roster for the 2020 season. Here's how their depth chart shakes out at the moment, and more importantly, where they can improve moving forward...

QUARTERBACK: Daniel Jones, Colt McCoy, Alex Tanney

The Giants wanted some backup quarterback competition behind Jones, and that's when they got McCoy on a one-year deal on Thursday. Matt Moore was their first option, but he turned down their offer. McCoy was next on the list.

Eli couldn't find the late-game magic one more time as Big Blue drops ninth straight

PHILADELPHIA - Eli Manning has built his career on storybook endings. But he couldn't do it one more time.

After 11 weeks of standing on the sidelines watching his successor in his old job, the 38-year-old Manning showed everyone on Monday night that there's still at least a little life left in his right arm - but just not nearly enough to give the Giants a much-needed victory. After a red-hot first half he cooled down considerably in the second.

That opened the door for the Eagles to rally from a 14-point halftime deficit and send the game into overtime. And when Carson Wentz hit Zach Ertz with a two-yard touchdown pass at the end of their first possession, the Eagles had a 23-17 win.

Daniel Jones also sacked eight times, while fumbling three times

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Giants used six of their first eight picks in the last NFL draft on defensive players, and 10 of 16 from Dave Gettleman's first two drafts overall.

In the 2020 NFL draft, they're going to have to use more.

It is increasingly obvious that there's just not enough talent on that side of the ball for the Giants to truly be competitive in the NFL. Faced with a very beatable Arizona Cardinals team with a rookie quarterback at the helm and a driving rain in the second half, the Giants defense fell into a quick 17-0 hole and then couldn't hold it's ground much better in the second half.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley talks potential Week 7 return

Barkley was a full practice participant again on Thursday

Saquon Barkley was, once again, a full practice participant for the Giants on Thursday. So it's safe to say he'll be available for the team when they play the Cardinals on Sunday, right?

"Taking it day-by-day," the star running back told the media after practice. "This week of practice, obviously you guys all know that I've been fully participating. ...Hopefully be out there for my teammates soon."

That's been Barkley's go-to phrase to use throughout this process of healing very quickly from his high ankle sprain he sustained against the Bucs in Week 3. But Barkley also had a wide smile on his face when asked if he just has to wait for the doctors to officially clear him, repeating that he will take things day-by-day.

Giants hopeful for Saquon Barkley's return against Cardinals

How close is the do-it-all running back to a comeback from injury?

By Garrett Stepien | Oct 16, 2019 | 6:57PM

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Without running back Saquon Barkley since the second-year playmaker suffered his high sprained right ankle in Sept. 22's 32-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New York Giants hope to have him back as he goes through practice with Week 7 on deck against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Giants (2-4) have been plagued by injuries on offense since Barkley went down, losing backup running back Wayne Gallman (concussion) among the absent skill players.

After consecutive losses to the Minnesota Vikings (28-10, Oct. 6) and New England Patriots (35-14, Oct. 10) in Weeks 5 and 6, the Giants have an opportunity for a rebound with Sunday's 1 p.m. kickoff against the Cardinals (2-3-1), but will Barkley be back?

The Giants are still in a holding pattern when it comes to Saquon Barkley's availability for next Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Needing some depth at the running back position, the Giants on Friday signed four-year veteran Javorius "Buck" Allen.

Giants Takeaways from Thursday's 35-14 loss to the Patriots, including a difficult learning experience for Daniel Jones

Jones threw three interceptions in defeat

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - No one ever thought it was going to be easy for Giants rookie quarterback Daniel Jones.

OK, that's not true. A lot of people thought he was the elixir that was going to cure everything that ails the Giants. But the reality always was that once he was given Eli Manning's old job, the 2019 season became all about his growth and learning on the job.

So consider his encounter with Tom Brady on Thursday night another difficult learning experience for the 22-year-old. He threw three interceptions and struggled most of the night, going 15 of 31 for 161 yards in a 35-14 loss to the defending Super Bowl champs.

New York is without four key players on offense in Week 6 at New England

By Garrett Stepien | Oct 9, 2019 | 7:19PM

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As the Giants look to rebound, they do so without four of their best players on offense.

Running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) and tight end Evan Engram (knee) joined running back Wayne Gallman and wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who have concussions, Wednesday as out for Thursday's game against the New England Patriots.

Facing the NFL's No. 1 unit in the three categories of 6.8 points, 160.4 passing yards and 238.4 total yards per game, the key absences and short turnaround for Week 6 puts more pressure on Daniel Jones, but the Giants (2-3) need the rookie quarterback and others to step up at the Patriots (5-0).

Giants 'confident' in next RBs up after Saquon Barkley, Wayne Gallman

Eli Penny and Jon Hilliman get the call against a top-ranked Patriots defense

By Garrett Stepien | Oct 9, 2019 | 1:40PM

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Without either of its top two running backs available for Week 6's game against the New England Patriots, the New York Giants offense turns to third- and fourth-string players on the depth chart.

The injured Giants (2-3) get the undefeated Patriots (5-0) Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET after the team ruled out starter Saquon Barkley (ankle) and backup Wayne Gallman (concussion) among four offensive players sidelined, throwing the next men up into the spotlight.

Those are Eli Penny and Jon Hilliman, who have ascended to the top of the rotation after they started their 2019 campaigns as afterthoughts behind the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a third-year Giant.

Giants could be getting LB Alec Ogletree back at the perfect time

Giants' defense will have work cut out for them against Patriots

Sep 22, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (47) walks on the field prior to the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports (Douglas DeFelice)

Only one day remains for the Giants to prepare for the undefeated Patriots, who they'll face on the road in Foxborough on Thursday Night Football. And that preparation includes trying to be as healthy as possible playing on a short week.

For the Giants' offense, it has been rough. Wayne Gallman and Sterling Shepard will more than likely be out with their concussions suffered from the loss to the Vikings on Sunday. Saquon Barkley's high ankle sprain has recovered remarkably with him seen cutting and running at practice for a little over a week now, but it's still uncertain that he plays. And finally, Evan Engram reportedly has a sprained MCL in his left knee, which could sideline him, too.

Those are a lot of playmakers to be without, but luckily on the defensive side of the ball, things are a tad brighter.

WATCH: Pat Shurmur stays mute on Giants injuries heading into Week 6

Shurmur could be without four offensive weapons on this short week

Oct 8, 2019 | 3:59PM

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With both sides of the ball riddled with injuries, having a short week -- on the road against the undefeated Patriots nonetheless -- isn't ideal for the Giants, to say the least. And head coach Pat Shurmur doesn't really want to talk about it.

Speaking after practice on Tuesday, Shurmur didn't go deep into his injury situation that involves Wayne Gallman and Sterling Shepard dealing with concussions, Saquon Barkley still up in the air with his high ankle sprain, and now Evan Engram potentially being out with what ESPN's Adam Schefter is hearing as a sprained MCL on his left knee. Lorenzo Carter was also limited once again with a neck injury.

But, other than Gallman and Shepard's documented concussions and being in the protocol, he was mute.

Report: Giants' Evan Engram has sprained MCL

Injury not considered serious with chance to still play vs. Pats

Oct 8, 2019 | 10:11AM

The Giants' offense just keeps taking blows, as TE Evan Engram looks to have suffered a sprained MCL, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Engram was out of practice on Monday with what head coach Pat Shurmur called "game soreness."

It is unknown which knee it is, but Engram suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain on his right knee in Week 3 last season. In turn, he missed the next three games in what was a tough sophomore season where he couldn't really get into a groove with his injuries. He also suffered a hamstring strain later in that season.

Multiple players listed as 'did not practice' and 'limited'

Oct 7, 2019 | 6:20PM

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Sep 29, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur during warm ups before a game against the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Giants head coach Pat Shurmur met with the media late in the afternoon Monday and gave an update on the status of multiple players after the team went through walkthroughs instead of practice.

Saquon Barkley has been making progress over the last few weeks and has been eyeing Thursday night's game against the Patriots as his return game, as first reported by SNY's Ralph Vacchiano, but Barkley was listed as "limited" for today's simulated practice, and Shurmur has yet to declare Barkley ready.

Shurmur did say "there's a possibility" Barkley plays Thursday and that he is "closer than he was last week."

Bill Belichick doesn't want to face Giants RB Saquon Barkley

Pats coach would rather Saquon not play Thursday

By Nick Wojton | Oct 7, 2019 | 5:52PM

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Saquon Barkley (Kim Klement)

In his young career, Giants running back Saquon Barkley has yet to face the New England Patriots. Still, due to his ankle injury, it's questionable whether or not the Giants' workhorse will get that chance in Week 6.

The Giants and Patriots meet on a short week, as the two face each other at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Thursday Night Football to kickoff Week 6 of the NFL's weekend slate.

If Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had his way, Barkley's debut against the Pats will be put on hold.

Golden Tate missed the first four games of this season due to a controversial PED suspension. And after being nearly as invisible in Week 5's loss to the Vikings during what was his Giants debut, Tate seemed disappointed.

Tate was targeted just six times on Sunday, reeling in three catches for 13 yards -- with a long of five yards.

Asked after the game if he thought his limited role on Sunday would become the norm, Tate said he hoped not.

Giants were missing a number of key players on the defensive side of the ball as well

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - After a wonderful first two games as the starting quarterback of the Giants, Daniel Jones got a taste of what Eli Manning had to endure over most of the previous six years:

Life as a quarterback on a bad team.

There was pretty much nothing Jones could do with a depleted rushing attack behind him, a struggling offensive line in front of him, and a porous defense on the other side - all things that should feel very, very familiar to his current backup. He was 21 of 38 for 182 yards, which isn't exactly good, but also was about what was expected considering he was making his third NFL start and was facing the NFL's sixth-ranked defense (and maybe the league's best secondary).

Giants running back Wayne Gallman was taken into the locker room during Sunday's matchup with the Vikings to be evaluated for a concussion. SNY's Ralph Vacchiano has reported and confirmed that Gallman will be out for the remainder of the game with a concussion.

RB Wayne Gallman does indeed have a concussion and he is OUT for the rest of the game.

So the Giants will ride RB Jon Hilliman and FB Eli Penny the rest of the way.

Led by third-year pro Wayne Gallman, three running backs answered the call as the Giants (2-2) took care of business against the winless Redskins (0-4) with Sunday's 24-3 win at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Giants' 22-year-old rookie quarterback struggled a bit in his home debut and threw the first two interceptions of his NFL career. But he bounced back each time, never looked rattled, and made more than enough plays to help the Giants beat the Redskins 24-3 to improve to 2-2.

With Saquon Barkley out for a few weeks, the Giants had to add another running back to the backfield. They hosted a few veterans this week, but they're going to dip into their practice squad instead with RB Jon Hilliman signed to an NFL contract.

Head coach Pat Shurmur noted that a roster move would be coming soon, and when asked about his practice squad players that he's seen at practice, Shurmur immediately mentioned how well Hilliman has been doing.

"Jon Hilliman obviously has done a nice job for us through training camp," Shurmur told Giants.com's Michael Eisen. "We have him here because we feel like he's got a chance to be a good player."

How the Giants can survive absence of Saquon Barkley

A five-step plan for the Giants to survive life without their star

By Ralph Vacchiano | Sep 25, 2019 | 4:55PM

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Giants still have a confidence about them, even though they know they're missing their best player. They think they can survive life without Saquon Barkley, even if it turns out to be for the next two months.

But make no mistake about it: Life without Barkley is not going to be easy. And that's true even if quarterback Daniel Jones continues to look as super as he did in his NFL debut. Defenses will find the Giants easier to defend. Running the ball will become a challenge. And there's just no way they can take a player like Barkley out of their lineup and be as good as they were.

Shurmur, Shepard both have faith in Gallman to take over

For the first time in his early career, Giants star RB Saquon Barkley will be missing a regular season game on Sunday when the Redskins come to town. And he's expected to miss a few more as well with his high ankle sprain.

Head coach Pat Shurmur addressed Barkley getting a second opinion on his injury from foot/ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Green Bay, which SNY's Ralph Vacchiano confirmed.

"That's typical of what you see these days," Shurmur said. "More often, guys get second opinions. They're just not as public as this one is."

The Giants' fears were confirmed on Monday morning when they learned that Saquon Barkley will be out 6-8 weeks with a high ankle sprain. That is an enormous blow to their offense. Barkley is a weapon that simply can't be replaced.

But the Giants will have to try, because the only running back they have on their roster at the moment is Wayne Gallman, a fourth-round pick in the 2017 draft who is a solid pro, but nowhere near Barkley's class. Gallman will need help - more help than the Giants could get by running fullback Eli Penny more or promoting undrafted rookie John Hilliman off the practice squad.

Giants can't stray away from run game despite Saquon Barkley likely to miss time

Wayne Gallman should get good amount of touches to keep offense unpredictable

Giants head coach Pat Shurmur confirmed that Saquon Barkley suffered a high ankle sprain during Sunday's game against the Bucs. So the star running back will now be missing around 6-8 weeks, a source told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano, which is obviously a big blow to the offense.

But that doesn't mean the team still can't run the ball.

That's what head coach Pat Shurmur did, though, when Wayne Gallman took over Barkley's duties in the backfield. He only ran the ball five times for a total 13 yards, as the Bucs defense swallowed up Gallman. Barkley didn't have much success either, rushing for only 10 yards on eigth carries before leaving the contest.

Ripple effects of Giants RB Saquon Barkley's high ankle sprain

He will have an MRI on Monday before determining the recovery time

Sep 22, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is assisted off the field after suffering an apparent injury during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

TAMPA - Daniel Jones lit a spark under the Giants on Sunday night, and brought a sense of hope and optimism the organization hasn't felt in years.

But the sight of Saquon Barkley on crutches, with a walking boot on his right ankle, was enough to wipe all of those good vibes away.

Barkley, the Giants' best player and one of the most prolific running backs in the NFL, suffered what a source confirmed is a high ankle sprain in the second quarter of the Giants' 32-31. That's not a one-week injury. In fact, the recovery time for that is often more than a month. He'll know more after he undergoes an MRI on Monday.

But the statistics were deceiving after New York put three scores on the board -- a garbage-time rushing touchdown by running back Wayne Gallman among them on a two-yard run with 2:54 left in the fourth quarter made no difference.

Giants Takeaways from Thursday's 31-29 win over Patriots, including another perfect drive by Daniel Jones

Rookie finishes preseason 29-for-34 passing for 416 yards and two TDs

Daniel Jones wrapped up a nearly perfect preseason with another nearly perfect game - or at least one perfect series in the Giants' preseason finale.

And that's likely the last anyone will see of the sixth-overall pick until the Giants are ready to make a quarterback switch and put an end to Eli Manning's Giants career.

In the meantime, there's another big quarterback decision coming up for Giants coach Pat Shurmur. We know he loves Jones. We know he thinks Jones has made a ton of progress this summer. And we know he thinks Jones is ready and able to play.

The fourth preseason game means everything to those on the roster bubble

New York Giants running back Rod Smith (45) reacts with center Jon Halapio (75) after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. (David Kohl/USA TODAY Sports)

Giants Takeaways from Thursday's 25-23 win over Bengals, including more solid play from Eli Manning and Daniel Jones

The O-line, RBs, and a couple wide receivers caught some eyes as well

It's gotten lost in Daniel Jones Mania, but Eli Manning is having a pretty good summer, too.

The veteran starter - who is still the Giants starter - has been solid during the preseason so far in the three series that he's played. This time, in a 25-23 win in Cincinnati, Manning had a deceptive performance, going 4-for-8 for 41 yards. But two of those incompletions were drops by receiver Cody Latimer, including one in the end zone that forced the Giants to settle for a field goal on Manning's lone drive.

Manning is now 9-of-13 for 86 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. It's a small sample size, obviously, but good for a passer rating of 113.0.

A few weeks ago during Giants minicamp, we profiled five dark horse players who turned heads. At the end of the day though, every football player knows that, while minicamp standouts are nice stories, the real competition starts in training camp.

Big Blue training camp starts in a little over two weeks. It's a 90-man competition for 53 spots, and more than a few veterans will be left behind if they don't put up a good showing.

The Giants parted ways with veteran RB Jonathan Stewart on Wednesday, as SNY's Ralph Vacchiano confirmed the team would not exercise the second year of his contract.

Stewart was due a $500,000 option bonus today, but by cutting him, the Giants don't have to dish that out. With the bonus, he would've been a $3.275 million cap hit this season. Now, the Giants have $3.025 million more in cap space to use this offseason.

Many were confused when GM Dave Gettleman signed the 31-year-old Stewart this past offseason after seeing a decline with the Panthers in 2017. He was viewed more as a good locker presence than an expected playmaker for the team, especially after drafting rookie RB Saquon Barkley in the first round.

With T Ereck Flowers also waived this season, two of the last three first-round picks for the Giants no longer play for the team. Even QB Davis Webb, a third-round choice last year, was waived before the start of the season before playing a snap.

This just furthers the narrative that the Giants have been largely awful when it has come to drafting since 2008 -- with most of that blamed on former GM Jerry Reese. But just how bad have they been? This year's draft class gets an incomplete, and we broke down every Reese draft class (2008 to 2017)...

Olivier Vernon did not participate

Sep 13, 2018 | 4:13PM

Nov 19, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants corner back Janoris Jenkins (20) runs back an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Giants WR Sterling Shepard (back) returned to practice Thursday as the team prepares for Sunday night's game against the Cowboys in Dallas.

CB Janoris Jenkins left the team facility without participating due to what the Giants said was a family issue -- though the issue was not related to his brother, who was charged with aggravated manslaughter in July, according to Pat Leonard of the Daily News.

LB Tae Davis (hamstring) and RB Wayne Gallman (knee) were limited for a second straight day, while LB Olivier Vernon did not participate.

"If you're here, it's because you play."

By Ralph Vacchiano | Aug 22, 2018 | 8:30PM

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - A few eyebrows were raised back in March when the Giants gave Jonathan Stewart a two-year, $6.9 million deal. It seemed like a lot for a 31-year-old running back on the downside of his career.

Then, the Giants went out and drafted Saquon Barkley. And then this summer, second-year pro Wayne Gallman stepped up and won over his coach. All of a sudden, Stewart seems like an expensive mentor whose job is to teach the young running backs the NFL ropes.

Giants' Shurmur encouraged by Webb's ability to rebound

Webb throws for 140 yards and TD in win over Lions

Aug 20, 2018 | 8:03PM

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New York Giants quarterback Davis Webb runs the ball during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. (Tim Fuller/USA TODAY Sports)

After a disastrous 9-for-22, 70-yard performance in the Giants' preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Davis Webb rebounded by going 14-for-20 for 140 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 30-17 win over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

Webb led a 17-play, 79-yard drive capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Wayne Gallman that gave New York a 7-3 lead in the second quarter and also led a five-play, 43-yard drive that ended with an Aldrick Rosas 55-yard field goal before the half.

Can Saquon Barkley revive Giants' running game in 2018?

The rookie will lead the charge with Stewart, Gallman behind him

This is the first installment of Giants position previews for the upcoming 2018 season. This will be an in-depth look at each position heading into training camp that begins on July 25.

The Rundown

With no upgrade to the offensive line or the running back position -- with the exception of drafting Wayne Gallman out of Clemson -- it was almost expected this unit wasn't going to do much for the Giants last season.

Giants waive Paul Perkins due to pectoral injury

May 10, 2018 | 2:38PM

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants have waived RB Paul Perkins with a non-football injury designation, the team announced Thursday.

If Perkins clears waivers, he can be placed on IR. The 23-year-old rushed 41 times for 90 yards in 11 games last season.

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: This could be a sad end to what once looked to be a promising career for Paul Perkins, a fifth-rounder the Giants took out of UCLA in 2016. When they drafted him they were convinced they had a steal. It was only a matter of time until he was going to be a dominant feature back...

Manning looking forward to playing with 'very talented' Barkley

May 7, 2018 | 8:08PM

By drafting running back Saquon Barkley second overall in the NFL draft, the Giants have another threat on offense, and quarterback Eli Manning is looking forward to working with the rookie.

"You like those three-down running backs," Manning said, according to NJ.com's Ryan Dunleavy. "I haven't watched a whole lot of film on him. You've got to let him get here and earn his (stripes) a little bit. I know he is very talented. I'm just excited to get him in the facility and on the practice field and work with him."

Stewart on what he brings to the Giants: 'I've got a lot left'

Newly acquired RB Jonathan Stewart may be a veteran, but after signing a two-year deal with the Giants, he is treading new waters playing for a new team for the first time in his 10-year career.

But Stewart isn't entirely away from his Panthers family. Former Carolina and current Giants GM Dave Gettleman as well as Giants new OC Mike Shula were both in the building when Stewart was there. That is why Stewart told the New York media on his first conference call Monday that their presence with the Giants aided in his decision to pick Big Blue.

"It played a signifcant role," Stewart said. "Dave believes in me, and it's just good to know that the GM believes in what you can do on the field, and Mike Shula, there is a familiarity with the offense and the scheme, and I believe in what they're going to do moving forward with the draft. They're definitely a good team, they've got a lot of good players on offense and defense and I'm just excited to be apart of it."